Chess Puzzle #0T4Bw — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen d5; rooks a3/f1; pawns a4/b5/c4/d3/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen g5; rooks f2/f8; pawns a5/b6/c5/d6/e5/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf2 — rook f1→f2, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qc1+ — queen g5→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rf1 (rook f2→f1).
3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook f8→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, fork, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/6pp/1p1p4/pPpQp1q1/P1P5/R2P4/5rPP/5R1K w - - 2 30

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.